SAN MATEO, Calif., March 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Epocrates, Inc. (Nasdaq:EPOC - News), a physician platform for clinical content, practice solutions and health industry engagement, announced the appointment of Andrew Hurd as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. He will also serve on the company's board of directors.

"Andy stood out as a natural leader with a proven track record and the expertise to generate growth and foster innovation. He has the distinct experience mix we were seeking and an appreciation of the complex healthcare industry," said Patrick Jones, chairman of the Epocrates board of directors. "As a seasoned executive, we are confident he will continue to drive this dynamic company to the next level."

Hurd brings more than 20 years of healthcare IT experience and leadership to Epocrates, including product and market innovation as well as strategic partnerships. He joins Epocrates from Carefx, acquired by Harris Corporation in 2011, where he served as chairman and CEO for more than six years. During his tenure, Carefx demonstrated strong growth in revenue, income and shareholder value. Previously, Hurd held senior management positions at WebMD Corp, CenterBeam, Inc. and QuadraMed Corporation. He also currently serves on the board of directors for ABILITY Network Inc.

"Epocrates is an incredibly powerful and established brand among healthcare professionals. It is an essential and trusted part of physicians' daily practice and an ally in providing quality patient care," said Hurd. "The company is positioned to play a significant role in the high-growth mobile healthcare ecosystem, and I'm excited to lead this company in its next chapter of growth and innovation."

Peter Brandt will be stepping down as interim president and CEO effective March 27, 2012. He will take on the newly appointed role of vice chairman of the board of directors. As vice chairman, Brandt will work closely with Hurd to provide strategic counsel and ensure a smooth transition.

About Epocrates, Inc.

Epocrates, Inc. (Nasdaq:EPOC - News) is a leading physician platform for essential clinical content, practice tools and health industry engagement at the point of care. The Epocrates network consists of 1.4 million active members, including 50 percent of U.S. physicians, who routinely use its solutions and services. Epocrates' portfolio includes top-ranked medical apps, such as the industry's #1 most used mobile drug reference, and valuable manufacturer resources. Through these intuitive and reliable resources, the company supports clinical decisions, helps improve physician workflow and impacts patient outcomes. For more information, please visit www.epocrates.com/company.

The Epocrates, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11331

Epocrates is a trademark of Epocrates, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Uncertainties and risks may cause Epocrates' actual results to be materially different than those expressed in or implied by Epocrates' forward-looking statements. For Epocrates, particular uncertainties and risks include, among others: unexpected delays in Epocrates delivering new products may occur, which would cause revenues not to be as Epocrates expects; market acceptance of new products, such as its EHR, may not be as Epocrates expects, which would cause revenues not to be as Epocrates expects; and the impact of competitive products and pricing may decrease demand for Epocrates' products and/or force Epocrates to decrease the price of its products. More detailed information on these and additional factors that could affect Epocrates' actual results are described in Epocrates' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2012. Except as required by law, Epocrates undertakes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements.